Kenya in Context
2 Chapter 2: THE PLANNING CONTEXT
2.1 Overview
This chapter outlines the key perspectives and trends that informed the National Spatial Plan’s preparation. These include: Kenya’s geographical context (location, physical structure, diversity), population growth and dynamics (projected to reach 77.5 million by 2030 and 111 million by 2045), economic growth trends and prospects (including barriers to achieving the targeted 10% GDP growth), the critical role of transport and infrastructure as development enablers, human settlement patterns impacting urban and rural land use, and existing land use categories (primarily agriculture, built-up areas, and conservation).
2.2 Strategic Geographical Position and Assets
Kenya occupies a strategically advantageous location on Africa’s eastern coast, straddling the Equator. It shares borders with Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Somalia. Its position provides global connectivity via air and sea transport. The country’s total territory spans 582,646 km², including significant inland water bodies like Lake Victoria (3,755 km²) and Rift Valley lakes (Nakuru, Naivasha, Baringo, Turkana, Bogoria). Crucially, Kenya boasts a 1,420 km Indian Ocean coastline (45.7% in Lamu County, featuring islands) and extensive maritime territory, including a 142,400 km² Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
2.3 Regional Hub Status
Kenya’s geography underpins its role as a major regional hub. The Port of Mombasa serves not only Kenya but also acts as a vital gateway for landlocked neighbors including Northern Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This strategic location, combined with its extensive coastline and maritime resources, solidifies Kenya’s position as an international transportation, trade, business, and financial center within the region.
2.4 Physiography
2.4.1 Topography
Kenya’s diverse topography is characterized by plains, plateaus, hills, and mountains (see Map 2.3). One of the most spectacular features is the Great Rift Valley system that extends from the Middle East to Mozambique and bisects the country into the west and east of Rift Valley. It features the snowcapped Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, Mau Escarpment, Cherangani Hills and Aberdare ranges and Lakes such as Turkana, Magadi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo, Elementaita, Bogoria). To the west of the Rift Valley lies Lake Victoria.
The northern and south eastern parts of the country are generally plains punctuated with numerous mountains and hills. Chalbi is the only true desert in Kenya and is found to the east of Lake Turkana. The coastal area contains coral reefs, mangroves and white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.